Sense organ of equilibrium in the spinal cord

of birds

Avian sensory physiology

 

Stehen auf einem Bein

Viele Vögel ruhen auf einem Bein. Mich interessiert, wie sie das machen und welche Bedeutung dieses Verhalten hat (s.  Seite Stehen auf einem Bein)

Head-bobbing in birds

When walking on the ground, many birds move their head back and forth. I am interested in the mechanisms and distribution of head-bobbing among avian species (see Page Head-bobbing and Actual note).

Evolution of birds: the origin of the lumbosacral specializations

The early evolution of birds involves a step where the long tail of theropod dinosaurs is reduced and forms a pygostyle at the end where  in extant birds tail feathers (rectrices) insert. Whereas the tail of bipedal theropods could help to keep balance, tail feathers of birds serve flight manœuvres. In addition to a pygostyle avian predecessors developped a synsacrum typical of modern birds. In extant birds this synsacrum houses specializations which seem to function as a sense organ of equilibrium. I am interested in the question whether avian predecessors with a pygostyle and a synsacrum do have these specializations (see page Evolution)